Games : How to win in general?

In Europa 4 you play just for fun. Why? Because the game is WAY TOO LONG.

But still I try to beat the first place. I'm playing France and is in 1584... realizing details as it goes.

ATM, the Ottoman takes solid lead, 2nd is Austria, I'm 3rd. The one way to beat an opponent in a traditional strategy game is to invade opponents lands or invade land of other countries so your power (whatever 'power' means) is higher than your 'target' opponent.

In Europa 4 - everything is different. As a blocker to 'invasion' win I see cost of making core from invaded provinces. The 'basic' price is 20 which is multiplied by 'tax base'. I just invided Luxemburg... with tax base equal 6 and that costs me round 150 administrative point.

What is I invide province with higher income? It means I will need to pay even more points (even if I have claim)...

What is the way to beat an opponent other than invading everything?

Thanks.